Calendula

13Dec07

Calendula
Calendula officinalis

AKA: Garden marigold, Marigold, Mary bud, Pot marigold

Portrait: Annual. Native to southern Europe and widely cultivated in temperate regions as a common garden plant. Flowers are harvested as they open from June to October.

Medicinal Element: Flowers, leaves

Herbal Properties: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, aperient, cholagogue, diaphoretic, vulnerary

Summary: Calendula tea in varying concentrations can be used for many internal and external complaints. A weak infusion sipped several times a day is said to relieve and aid in the remedy of digestive tract ulcers, intestinal cramps, spastic colon, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Some women use an infusion of the flowers as a douche to relieve irritation associated with yeast overgrowths (infections), while others drink the tea to ease menstrual cramps. The antibiotic properties of this herb, when incorporated into a salve or ointment, can help prevent infections that sometimes occur with eruptive skin diseases, minor wounds, and burns; it can also accelerate convalescence from deep-tissue injuries (bruises, sprains, strains). Calendula ointment may be used on infants to help heal diaper rash and cradle cap. Do not use internal preparations of calendula during pregnancy.

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